Carib Scope

标签： Jamaica

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  • Brazil politicians convicted for ordering murder of black activist councilor

    Brazil politicians convicted for ordering murder of black activist councilor

    BRASÍLIA, Brazil—In a landmark ruling with profound implications for Brazil’s political landscape, the nation’s Supreme Court unanimously convicted two former legislators on Wednesday for orchestrating the 2018 assassination of Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Marielle Franco, a case that exposed alarming collusion between political elites and paramilitary organizations.

    The court’s four-justice panel sentenced former federal deputy Chiquinho Brazao, 62, and his brother Domingos Brazao, 60, a former state assemblyman, to 76 years and three months imprisonment each. Their convictions encompass charges of double aggravated homicide, leading an armed criminal enterprise, and the attempted murder of one of Franco’s aides who survived the attack.

    Justice Alexandre de Moraes delivered a powerful indictment during proceedings, stating the Brazao brothers were not merely connected to militia groups but constituted “the militia itself.” The court established that Franco—a 38-year-old Black, lesbian activist raised in Rio’s favelas—was targeted specifically because her advocacy threatened the brothers’ financial interests in illegal real estate expansion within impoverished communities.

    Franco’s murder, which also claimed the life of her driver Anderson Gomes, triggered national outrage and international condemnation, revealing how Rio’s militias—originally formed as community protection forces—have evolved into sophisticated criminal syndicates controlling territory through extortion and land grabbing while enjoying political patronage.

    Three additional defendants received substantial sentences: former police commissioner Rivaldo Barbosa (18 years for obstruction), militia member Ronald Paulo de Alves (56 years for surveillance), and Domingos Brazao’s ex-advisor Robson Calixto Fonseca (9 years for intermediary role). Two triggermen were previously sentenced in 2024, with one providing crucial plea testimony.

    Justice Carmen Lucia, the court’s sole female member, voiced profound distress during deliberations, questioning how many more activists Brazil would allow to be silenced through violence. The verdict marks a watershed moment in a nation grappling with political violence and institutional corruption.

  • Cuba denounces ‘infiltration’ by armed group in speedboat from US

    Cuba denounces ‘infiltration’ by armed group in speedboat from US

    HAVANA, Cuba — Cuban authorities reported a decisive maritime confrontation on Wednesday, resulting in multiple casualties after coast guard forces intercepted a Florida-registered speedboat allegedly attempting an armed infiltration. According to an official statement from Cuba’s Interior Ministry, the incident culminated in a lethal exchange of gunfire near Cuban territorial waters, leaving four individuals dead and six others wounded.

    The Ministry’s investigation revealed that those detained following the engagement confessed their intentions to execute a terrorist infiltration mission. Security forces discovered an arsenal of military-grade equipment aboard the vessel, including assault rifles, handguns, and Molotov cocktails. Officials identified all ten apprehended suspects as Cuban expatriates residing in the United States.

    This episode represents one of the most significant security breaches in recent Cuba-US relations, occurring amid heightened tensions between the neighboring nations. The Cuban government has characterized the event as a coordinated terrorist attempt, underscoring ongoing geopolitical friction and highlighting concerns about cross-border security threats. Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the full scope of the alleged plot and its international connections.

  • Keeping the house clean

    Keeping the house clean

    Jamaica has taken decisive action to protect its nascent gaming sector from organized criminal infiltration through a newly established cooperation framework between key regulatory bodies. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and the Casino Gaming Commission represents a strategic move to prevent the nation’s reinstatement to the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) increased monitoring list.

    Colonel Desmond Edwards, Director General of MOCA, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining Jamaica’s hard-won removal from the FATF grey list in 2024 after four years of heightened scrutiny. “We don’t want to go back on the list,” Edwards stated, noting that grey list status severely diminishes a country’s appeal to international investors due to perceived high-risk categorization.

    The FATF, as the global watchdog combating money laundering and terrorist financing, places nations on its grey list when their anti-financial crime frameworks are deemed inadequate. Edwards highlighted that Jamaica’s delisting resulted from concerted efforts across multiple sectors to address systemic vulnerabilities.

    Gaming industries worldwide remain particularly susceptible to money laundering schemes, necessitating robust regulatory structures. The newly signed MOU establishes stringent protocols to prevent illicit funds from entering Jamaica’s gaming ecosystem while fostering investor confidence and public trust.

    Casino Gaming Commission Chairman Ryan Reid characterized the agreement as demonstrating Jamaica’s commitment to industry integrity. “We are putting structures in place to combat anything or any intentions they may have,” Reid stated, referencing potential bad actors seeking to exploit the emerging sector.

    Commission CEO Cleveland Allen clarified that Jamaica’s vision differs markedly from traditional gambling hubs like Las Vegas. Instead, the nation aims to integrate casino gaming as one component of a diversified tourism offering rather than establishing itself as a primary gaming destination.

    The regulatory foundation was strengthened on February 10 when Jamaica’s House of Representatives approved the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations 2025. These comprehensive rules govern administrative processes, licensee obligations, record-keeping, reporting requirements, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure transparent and orderly industry operations.

  • ‘I feel loved’: Irish MP overwhelmed by Jamaican response to viral speech

    ‘I feel loved’: Irish MP overwhelmed by Jamaican response to viral speech

    Sinn Féin politician Thomas Gould has become an unexpected global sensation after a parliamentary speech revealed striking phonetic parallels between his native Cork accent and Jamaican patois. The viral moment has triggered an unprecedented wave of international engagement, particularly from Caribbean audiences, while simultaneously illuminating centuries-old historical connections between Ireland and Jamaica.

    The Cork North-Central representative expressed astonishment at the overwhelming social media response, acknowledging he had never previously recognized the vocal similarities himself. “I know I have a very strong accent and speak rapidly,” Gould noted. “When I listen to Jamaicans speak, some demonstrate remarkably similar speech patterns.”

    Linguistic experts suggest the phenomenon stems from Cork’s distinctive northside dialect, which differs significantly from the more refined accents typically heard in Ireland’s political chambers. Gould observed that parliamentary discourse has historically been dominated by “posher and more affluent” regional accents, making his working-class Cork inflection particularly noticeable.

    The convergence of accents reveals deeper historical threads dating to the 17th century, when thousands of Irish migrants arrived in the Caribbean under indentured servitude. Most Jamaican-bound Irish originated from Cork and Munster, bringing their linguistic traditions to the island. While their conditions were brutally harsh, Gould clarified these indentured workers faced marginally better treatment than African slaves.

    Despite minimal Jamaican residency in modern Cork, Gould highlighted Dublin’s vibrant Jamaican community that annually celebrates Independence Day. The politician characterized the unexpected viral attention as a positive unifying force amid global tensions, stating: “We are all friends. There are larger world problems, and shared laughter creates connection. The supportive messages have been unbelievable.”

  • Hetmyer not getting carried away after record-breaking West Indies demolish Zimbabwe

    Hetmyer not getting carried away after record-breaking West Indies demolish Zimbabwe

    MUMBAI, India — The West Indies cricket team delivered a breathtaking performance on Monday, crushing Zimbabwe by a massive 107 runs in their Super Eights opener of the Twenty20 World Cup. This dominant display at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium showcased the Caribbean side’s formidable batting prowess and clinical bowling execution.

    Shimron Hetmyer emerged as the undisputed star of the match, hammering an explosive 85 runs from just 34 deliveries. His spectacular innings, which included seven sixes and seven fours, propelled the West Indies to a monumental total of 254-6. This score stands as the second-highest in the history of the T20 World Cup tournament, surpassed only by Sri Lanka’s 260-6 against Kenya in 2007.

    The match turned decisively when Zimbabwe’s Tashinga Musekiwa dropped a routine catch at deep fine leg with Hetmyer on just nine runs. The batsman capitalized mercilessly on this reprieve, racing to his half-century in merely 19 deliveries—equaling the tournament’s fastest fifty record set by South Africa’s Aiden Markram.

    Hetmyer found able support from Rovman Powell, with the pair assembling a devastating 122-run partnership from just 52 balls. Powell contributed a brisk 59 from 35 deliveries before Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 31 from 13 balls provided the final flourish. The West Indies’ batting onslaught saw 38 runs plundered from the final two overs, with Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder adding quick-fire contributions.

    Zimbabwe’s response never gained momentum as their chase faltered immediately. Left-arm spinners Gudakesh Motie (4-28) and Akeal Hosein (3-28) dismantled the top order, reducing the surprise qualifiers to 20-3 within the third over. Despite a late counterattack from Brad Evans, who smashed 43 from 21 balls with five sixes, Zimbabwe were eventually dismissed for 147 in 17.4 overs.

    West Indies captain Shai Hope praised the comprehensive team performance while maintaining perspective: ‘When everyone is firing like that, it’s a real joy to watch. It was a complete performance but you can always improve.’

    Hetmyer, awarded Player of the Match, remained grounded despite his extraordinary achievement: ‘It does feel good to have achieved something like that, but as a team, we haven’t really accomplished anything yet. We’re taking it one game at a time.’

    The victory establishes the West Indies as serious contenders as the tournament enters its crucial Super Eights phase, while Zimbabwe must regroup after their stunning run was halted so emphatically.

  • Appeals intensify for burn victim

    Appeals intensify for burn victim

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A humanitarian crisis unfolds in Westmoreland as a Jamaican family races against time to secure a US$55,000 medical evacuation for Dacia Forrester, who suffered catastrophic burns after being set ablaze during a violent confrontation at a gas station last Thursday. The alleged perpetrator, pump attendant Collate Swaby, now faces criminal charges of assault occasioning bodily harm.

    Carol Blackwood Hewitt, Forrester’s distraught sister, has launched impassioned appeals to both local and international communities for urgent financial assistance. With her sister’s condition deteriorating in a local medical facility, Blackwood Hewitt emphasizes that specialized burn treatment available in the United States represents Forrester’s only hope for survival. Despite reaching out to governmental agencies including the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and cultural official Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, the family has yet to receive the promised institutional support.

    Fundraising efforts led by the Burn Foundation of Jamaica and Crisis Support Charity have thus far gathered approximately US$7,000 through a GoFundMe campaign—a fraction of the required amount. Luke Josephs, co-founder of these organizations, stressed the critical nature of the situation: ‘Severe burn injuries demand immediate, specialized care and every hour matters. We are acting swiftly in the interest of preserving life.’

    The judicial aftermath continues to develop as police prepare case files for three women, including one of Forrester’s sisters who remains in custody. The complexity of the incident involves alleged reciprocal violence during the altercation, with authorities awaiting the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision on additional charges.

  • U20 Reggae Boyz beat Bonaire 3-0 to kick-start Concacaf championship

    U20 Reggae Boyz beat Bonaire 3-0 to kick-start Concacaf championship

    WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao — Jamaica’s Under-20 national team launched their Concacaf qualification campaign with an authoritative 3-0 victory against tournament newcomers Bonaire in Group B action on Monday. The match, held at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca, established Jamaica as early group leaders on goal differential.

    The young Reggae Boyz demonstrated tactical superiority despite finishing the match with ten men following the dismissal of substitute Jamoy Dennis, who received two yellow cards during his second-half appearance.

    Jamaica’s offensive prowess was evident throughout the contest, with Sean Leighton breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute through a precise close-range header. Deshawn Talbert doubled the advantage just before halftime, finding the net in the 43rd minute to establish a comfortable 2-0 lead at the interval.

    The victory was sealed in the 71st minute when substitute Raequan Campbell-Dennis delivered the final blow, effectively eliminating any possibility of a Bonaire comeback.

    This opening round victory places Jamaica atop Group B standings after other group matches concluded with narrow 2-1 victories for Turks and Caicos Islands over Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico against St Kitts/Nevis.

    The Jamaican squad continues their qualification journey Wednesday with a 7:00 PM fixture against Turks and Caicos Islands. This tournament serves as the qualifying pathway not only for the 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship but also determines participation in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games and the 2027 Pan American Games.

  • Seretse returns to the stage after two decades

    Seretse returns to the stage after two decades

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark musical event that breaks a twenty-year performance hiatus, legendary Jamaican guitarist Seretse will grace the stage once again at the ‘Herbie Miller Presents Jazz Night’ on Thursday, February 26. The highly anticipated concert will unfold at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, commencing at 7:30 PM.

    This comeback performance promises to showcase a surprising dimension of the artist’s talent—his prowess as a rock guitarist—a revelation likely to astonish long-time followers of his distinguished career. Seretse has curated a diverse setlist that he describes as encompassing ‘interpretations of Jamaican music, great jazz and R&B standards, music of the African Diaspora, and original compositions spanning Afro funk, calypso jazz, and Reggae jazz.’

    The return marks a significant moment in Caribbean music. Rather than a mere performance, Seretse frames this event as a ‘strategic re-entry into public performance and a statement of artistic intent’ for the forthcoming chapter of his professional journey. His two-decade absence was dedicated to foundational work in music education, most notably through building the Avant Academy of Music, alongside other institutional projects.

    Now, as an fully realized musician, esteemed educator, and cultural philosopher, Seretse re-emerges onto the performance scene with a refined and uncompromising artistic vision, prepared to communicate profoundly through his instrument. A leading force in Jamaican music education for nearly forty years and a 2012 inductee into the Caribbean Hall of Fame, Seretse is celebrated for his unique ability to synthesize Caribbean musical roots with the sophisticated traditions of North American jazz.

  • U20 Reggae Boyz beat Bonaire 3-0 in opening Concacaf qualifier

    U20 Reggae Boyz beat Bonaire 3-0 in opening Concacaf qualifier

    Jamaica’s Under-20 national team launched their CONCACAF qualification campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory against Bonaire in Group B action on Monday. The match, held at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca in Willemstad, Curaçao, saw the young Reggae Boyz establish early dominance with a two-goal lead by halftime before finishing with ten men following a second-half dismissal.

    The scoring opened in the 24th minute when Sean Leighton expertly headed the ball across the goal line from close range. Deshawn Talbert doubled Jamaica’s advantage just before halftime with a well-executed finish in the 43rd minute. Substitute Raequan Campbell-Dennis sealed the comprehensive victory in the 71st minute with a decisive third goal that effectively ended the contest.

    Despite the convincing win, Jamaica faced adversity when second-half substitute Jamoy Dennis received two yellow cards in quick succession, resulting in his dismissal and forcing the team to play the remainder of the match with reduced numbers. The disciplinary setback didn’t prevent Jamaica from maintaining their clean sheet and securing all three points.

    The victory places Jamaica atop Group B on goal difference following narrow 2-1 victories by Turks and Caicos Islands over Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico over St Kitts Nevis in the group’s other opening matches. The tournament serves as qualification for multiple prestigious international competitions, including the 2026 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, and the 2027 Pan American Games.

    Jamaica’s U-20 squad will return to action on Wednesday evening with a crucial match against Turks and Caicos Islands at 7:00 PM local time.

  • MOU signed for development of Montego Bay Sports Complex

    MOU signed for development of Montego Bay Sports Complex

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — A landmark agreement was formalized on Tuesday as Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited and the St James Municipal Corporation executed a 25-year lease for the Montego Bay Sports Complex. The signing ceremony, held at the Corporation’s offices, marks a transformative chapter for sports infrastructure in western Jamaica.

    Johann ‘Yoni’ Epstein, Chairman of Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited—the parent organization of Premier League club Montego Bay United—declared that substantial development work would now commence. The facility, originally gifted to the city by Venezuela under the PetroCaribe Agreement, is set to undergo major expansion and modernization.

    The company emerged as the sole bidder when the development tender concluded in November 2024, submitting a proposal valued at approximately $700 million. Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, who signed alongside CEO Naudia Crosskill, characterized the agreement as both “transformational and historic,” emphasizing its significance for the entire western region.

    The comprehensive redevelopment plan includes urgent refurbishment of structures severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, with football activities scheduled to resume in time for the 2026-27 season. Additional enhancements within the two-year timeline include restoration of the all-weather 400m running track, construction of an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and development of courts for racquet sports alongside specialized fields for futsal and scrimmage football.